For grocery stores, we've got two Safeways (one in Hechinger Plaza and one at, say, 13th and E SE or so), which were spruced up a bit a couple of years ago, or the new Harris Teeter, which is on Pennsylvania Ave SE at about 13th (you have to loop around behind on I Street to get to the parking). The Harris Teeter is nicer, but it is much more expensive and the deli staff are the worst I've ever experienced in my entire life. You should also get to know Eastern Market -- it can't replace the supermarket entirely, but they have very good butchers in there and some other useful stores. If you need some expensive foodie stuff or a nice cake, we also now have a Marvelous Market just across from Eastern Market.

As for lunch, it depends what you're looking for. If you're looking for a sandwich during the week, I'd recommend the G-Man at Mangialiardo's, which is on Pennsylvania Ave. SE between, say, 11th and 12th. It's only open during the week and only for breakfast/lunch, though.

You all also have the Yes Market near Eastern Market and wasn't a Trader Joe's supposed to open up around there? I don't live there so not the best person to reply, but it sounds, luke, like you need to discover Eastern Market for sure.

Good point -- the Yes Market at Pennsylvania and 7th is another good one, very useful if (a) you're organic, etc., and need a source of bee pollen or whatever, or (b) you need something a little high-brow (e.g., semolina flour), but don't feel like slogging up to Whole Foods. Also easy to hit on foot after you've been to Eastern Market.

No Trader Joe's that I've heard of. We were supposed to get a Wegman's in Penn Quarter, but that deal fell through about a year ago. (Now it's going to be the significantly less delicious Textile Museum).

My favorite lunch spot is Le Bon Cafe on the House side of the Hill. Its a cozy little French shop which makes yummy sandwiches, salads, lattes, and lavender lemon ade (I'm also a little addicted to their pan au chocolat). I'm addicted to all things French and enjoy going her for a relaxing lunch when I want a little feel of Paris.

You can also check out Good Stuff Eatery for burgers, fries, and milk shakes. It can get crowded depending on when you go. The burgers have been a little inconsistent but their fries and shakes are very good.

For Thai food I like Old Siam on 8th St. And there is of course Eastern Market: Market Lunch for lunch and the actual market for shopping.

open 'til 7 weekdays, 6 on Saturday 5 on Sunday. weekend is when they close the street and the farmer's and flea market come in.

also check out the Petite Cafe between the Market and Tortilla. run by a woman that used to work at Bower's the cheese vendor. we have sooo many more choices than 5 years ago.

MightyJim - I find the Teeter often compares fairly well with Safeway if one shops carefully, although I also try to mix up my shopping so they both stay in business and in a continual price war.

lukeinva: what part of the Hill? - it can mean so many things these days. f'rinstance there's only a half block difference between Christ Church Village and Barracks Row and a broader interpretation could put either in Eastern Market or Navy Yard (if it weren't for the freeway

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we get so insular that for me anything North of East Capitol is like the cousin you only see at Xmas and there are some who define it so strictly as not East of Lincoln Park or past Penn or Mass.

It will be Cava, a second location of the Rockville Greek mezze restaurant, on Tom Sietsema's top restaurants list for 2008. Should be a good addition--nearly anything would be better than Marty's--and certainly better than Taverna over on Pennsylvania Ave.

Yes, Le Pain Quotidien is going into the B&C space. Also, Ben and Jerry's next to Montmartre is closing, and Montmartre will expand into the space. And an Italian restaurant is opening in the sports store space across from Eastern Market, near Tortilla Cafe and Tunnicliff's. Lots of things happening on the Hill!

I'm sorry to see Ben and Jerry's closing as well. During slow work days in the summer I would go and treat myself to an ice cream cone. And I agree...I prefer Ben and Jerry's the Baskin Robin's for some reason.